Three Y’s Guys with One Common Cause

Swim For Richard Raises Funds and Awareness

When three gentlemen, calling themselves the Three Y’s Guys, step into the pleasant 75° waters of Tampa Bay, FL. this coming April to embark on a challenging 24 mile marathon swim, one special young man will be on the minds and in the hearts of them all, from start to finish. This young man was Richard Caretto, who will always be remembered for his generosity, sharp sense of humor and his sensitivity to social problems.



Richard, son of one of the swimmers, tragically lost his life in April of last year after waging a valiant and difficult battle with bipolar disorder. A 2005 graduate of Lawrenceville, and a Bloustein scholar that recognizes academic excellence, Richard also volunteered at the Somerset Hills YMCA helping children with autism. Additionally, Richard was a varsity runner for both the cross country and track teams, tutored under-privileged children and volunteered over 200 hours of community service assisting patients with dementia.



In honor of his son, Martino Caretto and his two close friends, Paul Kiell and Doug Munch, have planned a Swim for Richard in the Tampa Bay Marathon Swim on April 17th, 2010. Their objective is to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and raise funds for the Somerset Hills YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, the YMCA’s financial assistance program, as Richard benefited tremendously from the friendly and warm welcome he always experienced when volunteering at the YMCA. Strong Kids ensures that no one is ever turned away from a program, services or support because of an inability to pay. A donation will also be made to TGen Institute, a non-profit organization that researches new treatments, therapies and cures for many diseases, including bipolar disorder.



Martino, Paul and Doug, sharing an average age of 67 years, will swim relay in the marathon and are hopeful that the event will generate interest and dialogue about bipolar disorder. “Richard had his whole life ahead of him,” said Martino. “If our efforts bring relief to another individual or spare other families the devastating pain that has been inflicted on mine, then the Three Y’s Guys will feel a great sense of achievement. No matter how much we raise, the friendship and support of those around us has been of great comfort to me and my family.”



Donations to the Three Y’s Guys will directly contribute to furthering medical advances in this field and will also help raise awareness of bipolar disorder. “A lack of understanding about this disorder often leads to it being swept under the carpet. The stigma generally attached to mental disorders needs to be dispelled so that progress in research can be made and more support can be offered to individuals and families in need,” added Martino.



Please make checks payable to the Somerset Hills YMCA. If received by April 1st, contributions of $50 or more will be listed on the back of the t-shirt that the Three Y’s Guys will wear the day of the relay.



For more information, please visit www.somersethillsymca.org or contact Paul Kiell at 908.781.1703 or paulkiell@comcast.net